FIRST PLACE TATTOO PHOTO CONTEST WINNER FEBRUARY 2006

Photo by Ronan Spelman

© Ronan Spelman

Interview with Ronan Spelman (February Tattoo Photo Contest Winner)

Do you remember the first time you saw a tattoo, and what your  reaction was?
I was a young kid. I remember seeing it on a mans arm just under his shirt sleeve. I thought how odd it was that he let someone draw on him... still I thought it was cool and wanted someone to draw on me. I tried with my own markers but it was a big mess.

Do you have any tattoos yourself?
Yes I have four. Two designs by Leo Zuleta. A tribal band and a scorpion. A heart for my late mother and a custom sleeve piece... better than the one I tried to design as a kid!!

As a photographer, do you approach shooting a model with body art any differently than a model without tattoos?
Without a doubt. When I shoot a model with a tattoo. I am very concerned with capturing the art of the tattoo as well as the model. They go hand in hand. The tattoo is an extension of the personality and needs to be captured in unison. A model that has no art is shot trying to bring something out that is within them. I often find too, that the body art can help to conceive a shot.

Any tips for working with models who have tattoos?
If you want your work to stand out, you can add a very light amount of moisturizer. But the main thing I can say is try to work with your tattoos. Be aware of them. Know how they sit on your body and try to emphasize that when posing. You need to be very careful with your lights and flashes. Try to avoid bleaching them out. This is sometimes the hardest thing to avoid!!

Are tattoos and body modifications a problem in other work that you do? Do you ever have to shoot around tattoos or use cover-up make-up?
NO... plain and simple. I shoot all kinds of people and use them in my artwork. so sometimes it is good for me. If I need a different look I will find someone who is not inked. I would never ask someone to hide their work.

What is it about a particular tattoo or model with tattoos that you find interesting? Have you ever seen a tattoo, or a person with tattoos and said, "I have to shoot that!"?
Just about anyone who has ink is interesting. They all have a story of some kind to go with their tattoo. I nearly always want to shoot people who are inked. Freewind from Blackwave tattoo was an example of someone I just had to shoot. He is a very striking man... with a lot to say I might add. I was lucky that I had a project I was doing for Skin and Ink magazine... so he agreed to let me shoot him. Otherwise I am sure he would have said no. But my Irish charm won him over for sure!

What would be your advice to someone who wants a great photo that shows their body art to its best advantage?
HIRE ME!.....
Be one with yourself, and your work. Relax. If you try to hard you will end up with a bad photo. Unless you are just talking about the tattoo... which I do not do. I am concerned with both. And if you have a gut... Suck it in!!!

What is the biggest difference between shooting editorial work - say for someone like Bob Baxter at Skin & Ink - and working in a studio?
Not much difference... as all my work is done in a studio of some sort. I am lucky that Bob allows me to more artistic in my work. He encourages it. Skin and ink tends to stand out that way. As a photographer I do my stuff and then present it to Bob. If he and the art director like it, we are half way there. Then it is up to the readers. We are always concerned with the artwork. But if the girl is cute enough... need I say anymore. BTW... NOT A SEXIST COMMENT!

Any tips for taking good photos at tattoo conventions?
I try to always take my victims outside, were there is natural light. Nothing worse then shooting under florescent lights... AGGGGHHH. It also really helps people to relax. No one looking at them. It puts them at ease. You have more room to work. We can also spend a bit more time to get the one good shot that you need. If they want to be in the magazine I want them to look good and I want them to feel like buying it when it comes out.

What do you think of the growing numbers of celebrities and models who have tattoos?
What ever rocks their world! Sometimes I think it is a bad thing. Some have the worst tattoos I have ever seen. And fans want to be just like them... Hence we have an onslaught of bad work. On the other had we have some who have just the most amazing work... perhaps they have too much cash! It is all good as long as it is presented in a good positive way. Tattoos do not need any bad press as they have had a stigma attached to them for so long. So when you see a celeb on the red carpet, I want them to have a degree of decorum. They can be a spokesperson for the tattoo community.

What tips would you give to the home photographer, tattoo enthusiast or tattoo artist who wants to take a great photograph of a tattoo?
Be adventurous and experiment. Always keep in mind what you are shooting. For me I can not stress enough how important it is to see the person and the ink as one. I see artist's books all the time and wish I could see the person that the tattoo is on. Most of the time the tattoo in the book is cropped too close and you have no sense of space. The art of tattooing to me is all about use of the canvas. The negative space is just as important. Artists need to be more sensitive to new clients. A new client would be more likely to get a similar piece if they could identify with someone. Which is why they come in with pictures of celebrities. Try not to use a flash unless you know what you are doing. This goes for all your equipment. Experiment. and don't give up until you have the perfect shot you are looking for. I am constantly learning on every new shoot that I do.

What would be your dream tattoo photography assignment?
OOOOHHH... the mother of all questions!
Most assignments I have been on were a dream. But one that seems to stick in my head... I want to go to Japan, and shoot some traditional Japanese work. The work is stunning. I think I could create some visuals I would be very happy with. One day it will happen. and until then I will try to continue to have fun taking pictures where ever and when ever I can.
Keep a eye out for "Art of Ronan in JAPAN" though!!

Tattoo Tribe Clothing and products inspired by classic tattoo designs and quotes.

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